William Eichler 20 February 2020

Handyperson Services ‘unsung heroes’ in supporting independent living

A new report has called for the work done by Handyperson Services in keeping vulnerable people safe to be fully recognised by commissioners.

Handyperson Services are commissioned by councils to carry out a wide range of tasks, from repairs to home safety checks to adaptations.

The new report, published by Foundations, warns that these services face multiple challenges in the shape of a complex commissioning environment and the growth of the gig economy.

It found that a vast range of interventions made by Handyperson Services is rarely covered by one local commissioner, which means they often find themselves delivering different contracts with varying terms and conditions.

Foundations says that these services play a pivotal role as the ‘eyes and ears’ of communities in keeping vulnerable people safe and healthy in their own homes.

It found that over half of local authorities (54%) either provide or commission handyperson services – delivered by in-house or independent not-for-profit home improvement agencies.

All labour – and some materials – is free of charge in 41% of services (compared with 34% in 2011) and 45% provide services that aid timely discharge from hospital.

Paul Smith, director of Foundations, says: ‘In many ways, handyperson services are our unsung heroes. For more than a quarter of a century they have been at the forefront of keeping people safe and helping them to access a wide range of support.

‘They play a vital role in prevention and early intervention, often acting as trusted eyes and ears in the community.

‘But in a fast-changing environment – in particular, the growth of the gig economy – the challenge now is to ensure handyperson services remain at the forefront and are fully embedded in the preventative agenda through strategic commissioning.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner